//------------------------------//
// Georg's "The Substitute" (Chris' "Relinquishing") 
// Story: Never The Final Word (Vol. 1) 
// by horizon 
//------------------------------//

Ten minutes later in the light of the new dawn, a single unicorn left the small group still discussing the ritual down in the bailey and vanished into the castle.  Far above, Princess Twilight Sparkle watched, still respectfully silent next to the temporarily unemployed Sun and Moon.  It was a moment she had dreaded far more than the ritual itself, and there was no way to prevent it other than flying away into the bright sky and leaving the inevitable confrontation to Celestia and Luna, who undoubtedly had faced far more embarrassing moments.

As the tapping of new shoes on ancient granite flooring neared behind her, Twilight turned to greet the young unicorn headed her way.  She was far too young for this to have been more than her first circulum, and the bright and cheerful smile filling every single bit of her face indicated just how happy she was to have participated, or as Twilight's sinking heart realized from the tiny golden sun clipped to the unicorn's cape, to have been selected to lead the ceremony this morning.  She stopped a respectful distance away from the three alicorns and bowed with practiced grace before speaking.

"This is such an honor, Your Highnesses.  Thank you."  Her grin became even larger.  "With particular thanks to you, Princess Sparkle."

A response was warranted, and although Twilight waited for either of the elder alicorns to make it, they both remained stalwartly silent, with Celestia even prodding Twilight with the tip of one wing and just the faintest sly smile.  Finally, Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath and said the words she had been dreading.

"You're welcome, Trixie."